As key leaders in the cyber field know, organizations across all industries rely on cybersecurity professionals to serve as the frontline of defense against threats and risk. But the shortage of qualified cybersecurity workers is increasing, exposing organizations and their customers to harmful activities such as fraud and theft. It is estimated that the number of unfilled cybersecurity positions will grow to a staggering 3.5 million in 2021, which poses a worldwide crisis.
ISACA Foundation’s new philanthropic foundation, is entering 2021 poised to make a global impact by building a cyberworkforce pipeline to meet the projected needs of the industry. The foundation’s strategic plan focuses on increasing diversity from early childhood education through the adult career life cycle. With fully developed programs, many of which are powered by ISACA® members and volunteers, ISACA Foundation will start 2021 by providing individuals, corporations, schools and others with programs that support the global cybersecurity industry.
In 2021, the foundation will expand its 3 programming pillars focused on creating workforce growth through increased diversity: SheLeadsTech (SLT), Young Leaders In Tech (YLT) and WeLeadTech.
Beginning with SLT, more than 5,000 women will be served, building the workforce through gender diversity with a focus on placement in leadership positions. Initiatives include mentorship opportunities, resources and educational events, with strategies designed to:
- Grow the SLT Mentorship Project to encompass 50 mentorship pairs who will share their experiences, ideas, tips and guidance with ISACA members and other individuals, amplifying knowledge of how to build gender diversity
- Hold 20 SLT events throughout the year with at least 2 chapter events per month accommodating global participation
- Expand the online community Engage forum with targeted topics and discussions
- Develop the SLT Ambassador program to include 500 women, with a focus on moving from awareness to action
- Publish assessments and metrics that illustrate impact
YLT will expand the CyberSleuths program to provide 6 additional online courses in cyberelements and skills and reach 3,500 under-served and under-represented students. YLT will offer engaging education programs that will help protect students online and provide insight into cybercareer options. Volunteer-facilitated initiatives will be expanded in an effort to:
- Launch a new Cybersecurity Career Pathways Video Series to showcase volunteers sharing real-life experiences and information about cybersecurity professionals
- Add mentorships, internships and other educational opportunities for youth to learn about cybersecurity career pathways
- Engage and collaborate globally with schools, education associations and other like-minded nonprofits to provide educational services to under-resourced youth
Through WeLeadTech, career development services will be provided to historically under-represented populations to help build the cyberworkforce. Individuals will gain access to classes, mentorships, resources, apprenticeships and other resources, and ISACA Foundation will scale up services through collaborations with corporate partners, ISACA and other organizations to build the workforce pipeline. As part of this effort, ISACA Foundation plans to:
- Establish 5 to 10 corporate partnerships to support recruitment and placement of under-represented adults into the cybersecurity sector
- Serve at least 1,000 individuals who have historically been under-represented in the technology space, racially or culturally, with educational resources, mentorships, internships and job placement support
- Recruit and train more than 1,000 volunteers around the globe to build real-world connections to ensure access to entry for under-represented populations
ISACA Foundation recognizes that to serve the cyberindustry, it is critical to ensure that all populations have the pathways, education, connections and field knowledge to access cybercareer opportunities. Through ISACA Foundation’s philanthropic mission of building diversity in the sector, the foundation plays a key role in building the cyberworkforce.
ISACA Foundation invites cyberprofessionals, as key leaders who recognize the great need for workforce development, to join the movement to protect cyberspace by providing cybersecurity sector opportunities to everyone.